2012 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings: NFL Week 17

With an exciting 16th week under our belts, here are the LestersLegends 2012 Week 17 fantasy football tight end rankings.

1. Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

Hernandez was a big letdown in Week 16, but should bounce right back against the Miami Dolphins. He had 97 yards against them in Week 13. Rob Gronkowski could return to take some of the pressure off of Hernandez.

2. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

Witten receives more targets than any tight end, so the threat of a dud is minimal. He had 74 yards the last time he faced the Washington Redskins.

3. Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints

Graham hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 11, but he was more to form last week with 88 yards against the Cowboys. Graham scored in his first meeting with the Carolina Panthers.

4. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

Olsen is averaging 57.9 yards with four touchdowns in his past seven games. He’s a strong play against the Saints.

5. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

Gates has scored in two straight games. The Oakland Raiders have allowed eight tight end touchdowns.

6. Dennis Pitta, Baltimore Ravens

Pitta is averaging 75.7 yards with three touchdowns in his past three games. He had 73 yards and a touchdown in his first meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals.

7. Jermichael Finley, Green Bay Packers

Finley is averaging 54 yards in his past six games. He is averaging 67 yards and 0.5 touchdowns in four career games against the Minnesota Vikings.

8. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

The Patriots are so secretive with their injuries. It’s hard to know what their plans are with Gronk. If he plays, he could be a force. They could also just let him get in a few reps to prepare for the playoffs. He’s a risk/reward option.

9. Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons

Gonzo will likely have an early exit, but with a bye week looming the Falcons will have to balance between avoiding injury and avoiding rust. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a bad enough pass defense that Gonzo could get his fill in limited play.